This was one of the grand old movie palaces, complete with neon signs, full of red velvet, and gilded plaster. It had both general admission and lodge seating. The stage was occasionally used for plays put on by locals.

Before its demise, every Christmas the owners would open the theater free to all kids in town. Typically a variety of Three Stooges and classic cartoons were played.

The El Ray was closed after a fire gutted the interior. This happened after hours and no one was hurt. It's easy to date the closure because the movie playing was "The Towering Inferno" (1974). For decades it was hoped that this theater would be restored to its full glory. It just couldn't be done. Finally the empty shell was purchased and rebuilt into the Kelly's Brickyard restaurant and microbrewery.

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